By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

 

While most children are focusing on enjoying their summer rather than what they will wear to school next year, preparations are underway to ensure that all Selma City School students will have uniforms to wear on their first day of school.

Lorraine Capers, the Selma City School’s truant officer, is in the process of collecting, cleaning, and sorting school uniforms as part of the Selma City School’s uniform drive.

“No child should have an excuse to not attend school because they don’t have a uniform,” Capers said. “In the past we’ve had over 1,500 articles of clothing donated, and they are distributed the week prior to school starting.”

The uniform drive is a year-round event. Each school is provided a box to hold the donated uniforms, and students are encouraged to donate throughout the school year by being given points to their lowest grade.

During the summer, the collection and sorting process kicks into full gear. Capers and volunteers collect and sort the uniforms for distribution. Capers said that need is the only thing required to receive a donated uniform.

“If there is a need for clothing, we give it to them. If they say they need a uniform, we provide them with one,” she said.

The distribution is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Dallas County Alternative School on Monday, August 12.

“I would like to encourage everyone, especially those who have children who just graduated or have outgrown their school uniforms, to donate,” Capers said. “The uniforms can be dropped off at the Selma High School Office, or they can call me at 874-1680 and I will come pick them up.”

Capers also said that anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the uniform drive could bring checks payable to Selma City Schools to the Selma High School Office.